Grooming systems, devices, and methods including detection of hair-covered skin lesions during grooming and including topographical analysis

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods are described for acquiring, among other things, lesion information from a hair or fur-covered region of a biological subject.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120,121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated byreference, including any priority claims made in those applications andany material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and/or claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Priority Applications”), if any, listed below(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other thanprovisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e)for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the PriorityApplication(s)). In addition, the present application is related to the“Related Applications,” if any, listed below.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

None

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the Priority Applicationssection of the ADS and to each application that appears in the PriorityApplications section of this application.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications, including any priority claims, is incorporated herein byreference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistentherewith.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a grooming system. In an embodiment, the grooming system includes a bodystructure including a plurality of spaced-apart projections configuredto engage hair. In an embodiment, the grooming system includes a sensorarray operably coupled to the body structure. In an embodiment, thesensor array is configured to scan a hair-covered scalp region. In anembodiment, the grooming system includes a scalp lesion morphologymodule operably coupled to the sensor array. In an embodiment, thegrooming system includes a scalp lesion dielectric module configured toidentify a scalp surface object based on a detected impendence obtainedduring grooming. In an embodiment, the grooming system includes scalplesion imaging module configured to identify a scalp surface objectbased on one or more images of a scalp region obtained during grooming.In an embodiment, the grooming system includes scalp lesion ultrasoundimaging module that is operably coupled to one or more ultrasonictransducers and configured to identify a scalp surface object based onone or more ultrasound images of a scalp region obtained duringgrooming.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a grooming device. In an embodiment, the grooming device includes a combcomponent having a spine and a plurality of spaced-apart teeth extendingoutward from the spine. In an embodiment, the grooming device includescircuitry for acquiring surface variations information of a scalp lesionduring grooming. In an embodiment, the grooming device includescircuitry for generating classification information associated with ascalp lesion. In an embodiment, the grooming device includes circuitryfor negotiating user-specific scalp lesion information based on anauthorization protocol. In an embodiment, the grooming device includescircuitry for negotiating user-specific scalp lesion information basedon at least one cryptographic protocol, encryption protocol, ordecryption protocol. In an embodiment, the grooming device includescircuitry for communicating with a remote enterprise and to receivecontrol command information from the remote enterprise. In anembodiment, the grooming device includes circuitry for actuating adiscovery protocol that allows the grooming device and a remoteenterprise to identify each other and to negotiate one or morepre-shared keys. In an embodiment, the grooming device includescircuitry for actuating a discovery protocol that allows the groomingdevice and a remote enterprise to identify each other and negotiateinformation.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a method including acquiring surface variation information of ahair-covered scalp region. In an embodiment, the method includesgenerating scalp lesion morphology information based on acquiringsurface variation information of the scalp region.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a hair care system. In an embodiment, the hair care system includes abody structure having a plurality of spaced-apart projections configuredto engage hair. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections form part of a dielectric sensor component. Inan embodiment, the hair care system includes a scalp lesion dielectricmodule operably coupled to the dielectric sensor component. In anembodiment, the hair care system is configured to identify ahair-covered scalp lesion based on comparing a detected impedance toreference impedance information stored on one or more memories. In anembodiment, the hair care system includes a hair care protocol moduleconfigured to generate scalp region grooming protocol information.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a hairbrush device. In an embodiment, the hairbrush device includes abody structure having a plurality of bristles. In an embodiment, thehairbrush device includes circuitry for acquiring impedance informationof one or more scalp regions during grooming. In an embodiment, thehairbrush device includes circuitry for generating scalp lesioninformation.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a method including acquiring an impedance of one or more hair-coveredscalp regions during grooming. In an embodiment, the method includesgenerating scalp lesion information based on detecting the impedance ofone or more scalp regions during grooming.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a grooming system. In an embodiment, the grooming system includes abrush structure having a bristle face and a plurality of bristlesextending outward from the bristle face. In an embodiment, the groomingsystem includes an image sensor component forming part of the brushstructure. In an embodiment, the grooming system includes ascalp-imaging module operably coupled to the image sensor component. Inan embodiment, the grooming system is configured to generate scalplesion registration information responsive to one or more inputs fromthe image sensor component. In an embodiment, the grooming systemincludes an optical coherence tomography module operably coupled to theimage sensor component. In an embodiment, the grooming system includes ascalp lesion location module configured to generate scalp lesionregistration information responsive to one or more inputs from the imagesensor component.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a hairbrush device. In an embodiment, the hairbrush device includes abrush structure having a bristle face and a plurality of bristlesextending outward from the bristle face. In an embodiment, the hairbrushdevice includes circuitry for acquiring images of one or more scalpregions. In an embodiment, the hairbrush device includes circuitry forgenerating scalp lesion identification information.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a grooming method. In an embodiment, the grooming method includesacquiring one or more images of a hair-covered scalp region duringgrooming. In an embodiment, the grooming method includes identifying atleast one object in the one or more images. In an embodiment, thegrooming method includes generating scalp lesion information responsiveto identifying the at least one object in the one or more images. In anembodiment, the grooming method includes determining a scalp diseasestate responsive to identifying the at least one object in the one ormore images. In an embodiment, the grooming method includes storing atleast one parameter associated with at least one object indicative of ascalp lesion. In an embodiment, the grooming method includes registeringthe at least one object using at least one of an artificial body surfacemarking, a tattoo, or a plurality of nanoparticle fiducial markers.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a hair and scalp care system. In an embodiment, the hair and scalp caresystem includes a body structure having a plurality of spaced-apartprojections configured to engage hair. In an embodiment, the hair andscalp care system includes one or more ultrasonic transducers formingpart of the plurality of spaced-apart projections. In an embodiment, theone or more ultrasonic transducers form part of a scalp-contactingportion of the plurality of spaced-apart projections. In an embodiment,the hair and scalp care system includes an ultrasound-imaging modulethat is operably coupled to one or more ultrasonic transducers formingpart of the plurality of spaced-apart projections and that is operableto transmit and receive ultrasound signals associated with ahair-covered region.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a scalp examination device. In an embodiment, the scalp examinationdevice includes a body structure having a plurality of spaced-apartprojections configured to engage hair. In an embodiment, the scalpexamination device includes circuitry for interrogating one or morescalp regions with an ultrasonic stimulus during grooming. In anembodiment, the scalp examination device includes circuitry foracquiring an ultrasonic response associated with interrogation of one ormore scalp regions with the ultrasonic stimulus during grooming. In anembodiment, the scalp examination device includes circuitry forgenerating lesion classification information associated with the one ormore scalp regions responsive to one or more inputs from the circuitryfor acquiring an ultrasonic response. In an embodiment, the scalpexamination device includes circuitry for generating scalp lesionultrasound information associated with the one or more scalp regionsresponsive to one or more inputs from the circuitry for acquiring anultrasonic response. In an embodiment, the scalp examination deviceincludes circuitry for generating one or more of an ultrasound image, acolor velocity Doppler mode image, a power Doppler mode image, and thelike, of the one or more scalp regions. In an embodiment, the scalpexamination device includes circuitry for generating a three-dimensionalultrasound imaging of the one or more scalp regions during grooming. Inan embodiment, the scalp examination device includes circuitry forgenerating an ultrasound image of the one or more scalp regionsresponsive to one or more inputs from the circuitry for acquiring anultrasonic response.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a method including interrogating one or more hair-covered scalp regionswith an ultrasonic stimulus during grooming. In an embodiment, themethod includes detecting an ultrasonic response associated withinterrogating the one or more scalp regions with the ultrasonicstimulus. In an embodiment, the method includes generating scalp lesioninformation based on a comparison of the detected ultrasonic responseand reference scalp ultrasound response information associated withscalp lesions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grooming system according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hair care system according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of grooming system according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hair and scalp care system accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hair and scalp care system accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a grooming method according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a flow diagram of a method according to oneembodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Skin cancer can occur on hair-covered regions such as the scalp. Forexample, skin cancer may appear as a growth, a lesion, a non-healinglesion, a mole, a skin irritation, a sore etc. Non-limiting examples ofskin cancer include basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer,melanoma, etc. Animals (e.g., vertebrate animals, mammals, pets, dogs,cats, baboons, etc.) can also develop skin cancers including malignantmelanomas, mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.

Regular examination (e.g., self-exams, self-screening, regularscreening, etc.) can alert you to changes in your skin and aid in theearly detection of skin cancer. While many portions of a subject's skinare exposed and can readily be visually inspected, other portions arecovered by hair or fur, and skin lesions, such as skin cancer, canremain hidden for extended periods. Accordingly, scalp examinationduring hair grooming may help find and identify changes in a growth, amole, a lesions that does not heal, skin irritations indicated of acancerous or precancerous condition, and the like. Examination duringgrooming may increase the chances of detecting certain cancers early byfinding or identify new lesions, or changes in lesions, that might becancerous or precancerous. Early detection of cancer may be implementedusing any of various methodologies or technologies described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a grooming system 100 in which one or more methodologies ortechnologies can be implemented such as, for example, to acquire(assess, calculate, detect, determine, evaluate, gauge, measure,monitor, quantify, receive, resolve, sense, and the like) lesioninformation from a hair or fur-covered region of a biological subject;to acquire surface variation information of a hair or fur-coveredregion; to acquire topographic information of a hair or fur-coveredregion; and the like. For example in an embodiment, during operation,the grooming system 100 is operable to detect surface variationinformation of a scalp region during grooming; to acquire an impedanceof one or more hair-covered scalp regions during grooming; to acquireone or more images of a hair-covered scalp region during grooming; toacquire one or more ultrasonic images of a hair-covered scalp regionduring grooming; and the like.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a grooming device 102. In anembodiment, the grooming device 102 includes a body structure 104 havinga plurality of spaced-apart projections 106 configured to engage hair,fur, and the like. In an embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apartprojections 106 include a plurality of bristles dimensioned andconfigured to groom hair, fur, and the like. In an embodiment, theplurality of spaced-apart projections 106 includes a plurality of teethdimensioned and configured to groom hair, fur, and the like. In anembodiment, the one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart projections106 include a scalp or biological surface (e.g., hair-covered skin,fur-covered skin, and the like) contact region 108.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a sensor array 110 operablycoupled to the body structure 104, and configured to scan a hair-coveredregion of a biological subject. For example, in an embodiment, a sensorarray 110 is operably coupled to a grooming device 102 that acquiresimpedance information associated with one or more hair-covered regionsduring grooming. In an embodiment, one or more modules compare theacquired impedance information to reference information such asreference information associated with a user, reference lesioninformation, previously acquired impedance information, and the like. Inan embodiment, the one or more modules generate lesion identificationinformation associated with the one or more hair-covered regionsinterrogated during grooming based on the comparison.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a sensor array 110 configuredto scan a hair-covered scalp region of a biological subject. In anembodiment, the sensor array 110 includes a topographical sensor array.In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes a plurality of sensors112. Non-limiting examples of sensors 112 include capacitance sensors,contact sensors, fiber optic strain sensors, flexure sensors, imagesensors, impedance sensors, movement sensors, nodes, object sensors,optical sensors, pressure sensors, scalp topography sensors, surfaceroughness sensors, topographic feature sensors, transducers, ultrasonictransducers, and the like. Further non-limiting examples of sensors 112include accelerometers, inertial sensors, motion sensors, and the like.Further non-limiting examples of sensors 112 include grooming devicedirectional sensors, geographical sensor, inertial navigation sensors,grooming device location sensor, grooming device orientation sensors,tracking sensors, and the like

In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one or more one-, two-,or three-dimensional sensor arrays. In an embodiment, one or more of theplurality of spaced-apart projections 106 form part of the sensor array110.

In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one or more sensoroperable to acquire topographic information associated with ahair-covered region of a biological subject. For example, in anembodiment, the sensor array 110 includes a plurality of optical fibersdimensioned and configured to deflect and to generate an output signalresponsive to contacting topographic features on a scalp duringgrooming. In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes a plurality ofoptical fibers forming part of at least one of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections and dimensioned and configured to deflectduring grooming responsive to contacting topographic features on ascalp. For example, in an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes aplurality of cantilevers configured to deflect and to generate an outputsignal responsive to contacting topographic features on a scalp duringgrooming.

In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes a plurality of bristledimensioned and configured to determine presence of a topographicalfeature, a lesion, a mole, etc., by deflecting, or to by being displacedalong a longitudinal axis responsive to contacting topographic featureson a scalp during grooming. For example, during operation, detectingbristles that are similarly deflected displaced may indicate that a usermoved the comb closer or further from the scalp. In an embodiment,during operation, dissimilarly deflected or displaced bristles mayindicate a presence of a topographical feature, a lesion, a mole, etc.In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 is operable to assessdisplacement of a bristle relative to one or more neighboring bristles.

In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes a plurality of opticalfibers configured to mechanically deform and to generate an outputsignal responsive to contacting topographic features on a scalp duringgrooming. For example, in an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includesat least one fiber-optic strain sensor for detecting strain-inducedchanges in the structure and refractive index of a microstructuredoptical fiber. See e.g., Gu et al., Nonlinear fiber-optic Strain SensorBased on Four-Wave Mixing in Microstructured Optical Fiber, OpticsLetters, Vol. 37, Issue 5, pp. 794-796 (2012), which is incorporatedherein by reference.

In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes a plurality of opticalfibers having a distribution of lengths that are operable to generate anoutput signal responsive to contacting topographic features on a scalpduring grooming. In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one ormore fiber optic strain sensors. In an embodiment, the sensor array 110includes at least one piezoelectric component operable to generate anoutput signal responsive to contacting topographic features on a scalpduring grooming. In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one ormore flexure sensors. In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includesone or more translation sensors. For example, in an embodiment thesensor array 110 includes one or more translation sensors includingcomponents that translate up down and having a tip that contacts thescalp. In an embodiment, the amount of translation is indicative of adistance of the scalp from a reference surface.

In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one or more sensorsoperable to detect skin contact by one or more of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections. For example, in an embodiment, the sensorarray 110 includes one or more pressure sensors operable to detect skincontact by one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart projections. Inan embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one or more capacitancesensors operable to detect skin contact by one or more of the pluralityof spaced-apart projections. In an embodiment, the sensor array 110includes one or more flexure sensors operable to detect skin contact byone or more of the plurality of spaced-apart projections. In anembodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one or more strain sensorsoperable to detect skin contact by one or more of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections. In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 isoperable to measure surface variations on a scalp as a function ofposition during grooming.

In an embodiment, the one or more of the plurality of spaced-apartprojections 106 include a sensor proximate a scalp contacting region. Inan embodiment, the sensor forms part of the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart projections 106include an optical fiber configured to deflect during groomingresponsive to contacting topographic features on a scalp.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more modules. Forexample, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes a scalp lesionmorphology module 120 operably coupled to the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, a module includes, among other things, one or more computingdevices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), and the like, or any combinations thereof, and caninclude discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, orcombinations thereof. In an embodiment, a module includes one or moreASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In anembodiment, a module includes one or more FPGAs, each having a pluralityof programmable logic components.

For example, in an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120includes a module having one or more components operably coupled (e.g.,communicatively, electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically,optically, inductively, electrically, capacitively coupled, and thelike) to each other. In an embodiment, a module includes one or moreremotely located components. In an embodiment, remotely locatedcomponents are operably coupled, for example, via wirelesscommunication. In an embodiment, remotely located components areoperably coupled, for example, via one or more receivers, transmitters,transceivers, antennas, and the like. In an embodiment, the drivecontrol module includes a module having one or more routines,components, data structures, interfaces, and the like.

In an embodiment, a module includes memory that, for example, storesinstructions or information. For example, in an embodiment, at least onecontrol module includes memory that stores reference lesion information,examined region information, user-specific lesion information,cumulative lesion information, etc. Non-limiting examples of memoryinclude volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), and the like), non-volatile memory (e.g.,Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), and the like),persistent memory, and the like. Further non-limiting examples of memoryinclude Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory,and the like. In an embodiment, the memory is coupled to, for example,one or more computing devices by one or more instructions, information,or power buses. For example, in an embodiment, the scalp lesionmorphology module 120 includes memory that stores, for example, groomingdevice inertial information, lesion location information, lesionidentification information, bristle displacement information, and thelike. In an embodiment, grooming device inertial information may be usedto determine the position of a sensed skin lesion, and the scalp lesionmorphology module 120 includes memory which stores the skin lesioninformation in association with position information.

In an embodiment, a module includes one or more computer-readable mediadrives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory cardslots, and the like, and one or more input/output components such as,for example, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard, akeypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a switch, adial, and the like, and any other peripheral device. In an embodiment, amodule includes one or more user input/output components, userinterfaces, and the like, that are operably coupled to at least onecomputing device configured to control (electrical, electromechanical,software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control, orcombinations thereof) at least one parameter associated with, forexample, controlling activating, operating, communicated with a groomingdevice 102, and the like.

In an embodiment, a module includes a computer-readable media drive ormemory slot that is configured to accept signal-bearing medium (e.g.,computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media, andthe like). In an embodiment, a program for causing a system to executeany of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example, acomputer-readable recording medium (CRMM), a signal-bearing medium, andthe like. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include arecordable type medium such as a magnetic tape, floppy disk, a hard diskdrive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, adigital tape, a computer memory, and the like, as well as transmissiontype medium such as a digital or an analog communication medium (e.g., afiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wirelesscommunication link (e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver,transmission logic, reception logic, etc.). Further non-limitingexamples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to,DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD,CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, Video Compact Discs, Super Video Discs, flashmemory, magnetic tape, magneto-optic disk, MINIDISC, non-volatile memorycard, EEPROM, optical disk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory,web server, and the like.

In an embodiment, a module includes a collection of one or morecomponents that are arranged in a particular manner, or a collection ofone or more general-purpose components that may be configured to operatein a particular manner at one or more particular points in time, or alsoconfigured to operate in one or more further manners at one or morefurther times. For example, the same hardware, or same portions ofhardware, may be configured or reconfigured in sequential or paralleltime(s) as a first type of module (e.g., at a first time), as a secondtype of module (e.g., at a second time, which may in some instancescoincide with, overlap, or follow a first time), or as a third type ofmodule (e.g., at a third time which may, in some instances, coincidewith, overlap, or follow a first time or a second time), etc.Reconfigurable or controllable components (e.g., general purposeprocessors, digital signal processors, field programmable gate arrays,etc.) are capable of being configured as a first module that has a firstpurpose, then a second module that has a second purpose and then, athird module that has a third purpose, and so on. The transition of areconfigurable or controllable component may occur in as little as a fewnanoseconds, or may occur over a period of minutes, hours, or days.

In some such examples, at the time the component is configured to carryout the second purpose, the component may no longer be capable ofcarrying out that first purpose until it is reconfigured. A componentmay switch between configurations as different modules in as little as afew nanoseconds. A component may reconfigure on-the-fly, e.g., thereconfiguration of a component from a first module into a second modulemay occur just as the second module is needed. A component mayreconfigure in stages, e.g., portions of a first module that are nolonger needed may reconfigure into the second module even before thefirst module has finished its operation. Such reconfigurations may occurautomatically, or may occur through prompting by an external source,whether that source is another component, an instruction, a signal, acondition, an external stimulus, or similar.

For example, a central processing unit of a personal computer may, atvarious times, operate as a module for displaying graphics on a screen,a module for writing data to a storage medium, a module for receivinguser input, and a module for multiplying two large prime numbers, byconfiguring its logical gates in accordance with its instructions. Suchreconfiguration may be invisible to the naked eye, and in someembodiments may include activation, deactivation, or re-routing ofvarious portions of the component, e.g., switches, logic gates, inputs,or outputs. Thus, in the examples found in the foregoing or followingdisclosure, if an example includes or recites multiple modules, theexample includes the possibility that the same hardware may implementmore than one of the recited modules, either contemporaneously or atdiscrete times or timings. The implementation of multiple modules,whether using more components, fewer components, or the same number ofcomponents as the number of modules, is merely an implementation choiceand does not generally affect the operation of the modules themselves.Accordingly, it should be understood that any recitation of multiplediscrete modules in this disclosure includes implementations of thosemodules as any number of underlying components, including, but notlimited to, a single component that reconfigures itself over time tocarry out the functions of multiple modules, or multiple components thatsimilarly reconfigure, or special purpose reconfigurable components.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configuredto access stored data associated with previously measured surfacevariations by position. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphologymodule 120 is configured to compare the measured surface variations withthe previously measured surface variations.

In an embodiment, the sensor array 110 includes one or more sensorelements 112 configured to detect skin contact. In an embodiment, thescalp lesion morphology module 120 is operable to collect lesioninformation associated a scalp region responsive to an indication thatat least one of the one or more sensor elements 112 is in contact withthe scalp region.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configuredto determine a presence of scalp lesions responsive to one or moreinputs from the sensor array 110. For example, in an embodiment, thescalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured to determine a changeto lesion status by comparing one or more inputs from the sensor array110 to reference information and determine whether a lesion hasundergone any physical changes. In an embodiment, during operation thescalp lesion morphology module 120 compares one or more inputs from thesensor array 110 to reference data to determine whether there has been amorphological change in the scalp region.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configuredto determine a cancer lesion rate of change responsive to a comparisonof user-specific reference information to one or more inputs from thesensor array 110. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module120 is configured to determine a cancer lesion configuration changeresponsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured togenerate cancer classification information responsive to one or moreinputs from the sensor array 110.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 module includesa component configured to generate classification information associatedwith one or more scalp lesions responsive to one or more inputs from thesensor array 110. For example, in an embodiment, the scalp lesionmorphology module 120 is configured to generate primary lesioninformation (e.g., macule, patch, papule, scar, nodule, plaque, wheal,cyst, vesicle, bulla, telangectasias, etc.) responsive to one or moreinputs from the sensor array 110. In an embodiment, the scalp lesionmorphology module 120 is configured to generate secondary lesioninformation (e.g., crust, scale, induration, erosion ulceration,atrophy, etc.) responsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array110.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 includes acomponent configured to generate lesion information. For example, in anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured togenerate lesion shape information (e.g., annular, round, oval, etc.)responsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured togenerate lesion configuration information (e.g., clustered, grouped,linear, dermatomal, etc.) responsive to one or more inputs from thesensor array 110.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module is configured togenerate lesion asymmetry information responsive to one or more inputsfrom the sensor array 110. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphologymodule 120 is configured to generate lesion border informationresponsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured togenerate lesion dimension information responsive to one or more inputsfrom the sensor array 110. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphologymodule 120 is configured to generate lesion rate of change informationresponsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured togenerate topographic information associated with a scalp lesionresponsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array 110.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configuredto generate infection information associated with a scalp lesionresponsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured togenerate scalp texture information responsive to one or more inputs fromthe sensor array 110. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphologymodule 120 is configured to generate scalp friction informationresponsive to one or more inputs from the sensor array 110.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configuredto generate combined measurements from the sensor array 110 obtained atdifferent spatial locations. In an embodiment, the scalp lesionmorphology module 120 is configured to combine measurements from thesensor array 110 obtained at different spatial locations.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module is configuredgenerate scalp surface variation information. For example, in anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module is configured generatescalp topographic information. In an embodiment, the scalp lesionmorphology module 120 includes at least one of a receiver component, atransceiver component, and a transmitter component operable tocommunicate with a remote enterprise and to receive control commandinformation from the remote enterprise.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 includes atleast one of a receiver component, a transceiver component, and atransmitter component operable to communicate lesion information. In anembodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 includes at least oneof a receiver, a transceiver, and a transmitter operable to actuate adiscovery protocol that allows the scalp lesion morphology module and aremote enterprise to identify each other and to negotiate one or morepre-shared keys.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configuredto generate one or more of a tactile, an audible, and a visual responseindicative of the scalp lesion morphology information. In an embodiment,the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured to generate one ormore of a tactile, an audible, and a visual response indicative of auser instruction (e.g., can ask for a second pass, a slower pass, astatic inspection, a re-inspection with different imaging modalities,etc.). In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 isconfigured to generate one or more of a tactile, an audible, and avisual response indicative of a user instruction to re-groom region. Inan embodiment, the scalp lesion morphology module 120 is configured togenerate one or more of a tactile, an audible, or a visual responseindicative of a user instruction to groom region using a differentimaging modality.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a scalp lesion dielectricmodule 130. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 isoperably coupled to one or more impedance sensors forming part of thesensor array 110 and is configured to identify a scalp surface objectbased on a detected impendence obtained during grooming.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes scalp lesion imaging module140. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion imaging module 140 is operablycoupled to one or more image sensors forming part of the sensor array110 and is configured to identify a scalp surface object based on one ormore images of a scalp region obtained during grooming.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes scalp lesion ultrasoundimaging module 150. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion ultrasoundimaging module 150 is operably coupled to one or more ultrasonictransducers forming part of the sensor array 110 and is configured toidentify a scalp surface object based on one or more ultrasound imagesof a scalp region obtained during grooming.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes an inertial navigation module160 operably coupled to one or more of the plurality of spaced-apartprojections. In an embodiment, the inertial navigation module 160 isconfigured to determine the location of one or more of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections with respect to a scalp region location. Forexample, in an embodiment, the inertial navigation module 160 isoperably coupled to one or more accelerometers forming part of thegrooming device 102. In an embodiment, the one or more accelerometersare configured to generate information indicative of a location andorientation of the grooming device 102. In an embodiment, the inertialnavigation module 160 is operably coupled to one or more gyroscopes ofinclinometers forming part of the grooming device 102. In an embodiment,the inertial navigation module 160, can use differential accelerationdata from two or more accelerometers, or can use data from gyroscopes,to determine changes in orientation of the grooming device 102. In anembodiment, the inertial navigation module 160 can use accelerometers,inclinometers, and/or gyroscopes oriented along multiple axes in orderto determine multi-axis location and orientation information for thegrooming device 102. In an embodiment, the inertial navigation module160 can integrate information relating to changes in location ororientation of grooming device 102 to determine the location ororientation of grooming device 102 relative to a reference location ororientation, or relative to a previous location and orientation ofgrooming device 102. In an embodiment, information regarding thelocation and orientation of a portion of grooming device 102, e.g., bodystructure 104, can be combined with information on the location, length,and orientation of a projection, bristle or tooth skin lesion relativeto the portion of grooming device 102 can be used to determine theposition of the tip of the projection, bristle, or tooth. In anembodiment, information regarding the location and orientation ofgrooming device 102, can be combined with information on the locationand orientation of a skin lesion relative to grooming device 102 can beused to determine the position of the skin lesion on the scalp.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a scalp examination module 170that determines cumulative lesion examination information based on theat least one measurand output from the sensor array 110. In anembodiment, the system 100 includes a scalp examination module 170 thatis configured to track of the location of examined regions, anddetermines which locations have not been examined. For example, in anembodiment, the system 100 includes a scalp examination module 170 thatis configured to track of the location of examined regions based on oneor more measurands outputs from an inertial sensor. In an embodiment,the scalp examination module 170 includes one or more memoriesconfigured to store at least one of lesion-specific examinationinformation, user-specific lesion examination history, orprevious-in-time lesion examination history. In an embodiment, the scalpexamination module 170 includes one or more components configured toinitiate a next-in-time lesion examination protocol based on determiningwhether a lesion or a regions has been previously examined. In anembodiment, the scalp examination module 170 tracks the locations oflesions on the hair-covered regions based on inertial information. In anembodiment, the grooming region module is configured to track cumulativemotion of a grooming device 102 relative to the one or more lesionsusing motion tracking. In an embodiment, the scalp examination module170 is operable to detect a marker previously released by themarker-dispenser component.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes an examined region module 180operably coupled to one or more marker-dispenser components. In anembodiment, during operation, the examined region module 180 isconfigured to activate release of one or more particles to mark scalpregions. In an embodiment, during operation, the examined region module180 is operable to activate release of a dye (e.g., a hair dye, atemporary dye, a short-term dye, a florescent dye, etc.) to mark whichregions have been examined, so that a user knows what has and has notbeen examined. In an embodiment, during operation, the examined regionmodule 180 is operable to activate release of a marker particle (e.g., amagnetic particle, a conductive particle, a florescent particle, etc.)to mark which regions have been examined, so that a user knows what hasand has not been examined. In an embodiment, the examined region module180 is operable to activate release of the marker (e.g., dye orparticle) from the to one or more marker-dispenser components based on adetermination that the region has been examined. In an embodiment, theexamined region module 180 is operable to detect a marker previouslyreleased by the marker-dispenser component. In an embodiment, the sensorarray 110 is operable to modify a scan pattern based on detection of themarker. In an embodiment, the examined region module 180 is configuredto generate one or more of a tactile, an audible, and a visual responseindicative of detection of the marker. In an embodiment, the examinedregion module 180 is configured to activate release of one or moreparticles to mark scalp regions. In an embodiment, the examined regionmodule 180 is operable to detect a marker previously released by themarker-dispenser component. In an embodiment, the examined region module180 is configured to activate release of one or more particles to markscalp regions. In an embodiment, the examined region module 180 isoperable to detect a marker previously released by the marker-dispensercomponent.

In an embodiment, the one or more marker-dispenser components areoperably coupled to one or more of the plurality of spaced-apartprojections. In an embodiment, the examined region module 180 isoperable to activate release from one or more of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections operably coupled to one or moremarker-dispenser components. In an embodiment, the examined regionmodule 180 is operable to release markers (e.g., dye or particles)uniformly within an inspected region, along the borders of an inspectedregion, at skin lesions, etc. In an embodiment, the markers may beapplied to the scalp region. In an embodiment, the markers may beapplied to hair or fur covering a scalp region. In an embodiment, theexamined region module 180 is operable to detect previously releasedmarkers to determine that a region has been previously inspected. In anembodiment, the system 100 includes an inertial navigation moduleoperably coupled to the body structure 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes agrooming device 102. In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includesa comb component 202 including a spine 204 having a plurality ofspaced-apart teeth 206 extending outward from the spine 204.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes circuitry 208 foracquiring surface variations information of a scalp lesion duringgrooming. For example, in an embodiment, the circuitry 208 for acquiringsurface variations information is operably coupled to at least onefiber-optic strain sensor that detects strain-induced changes in thestructure and refractive index of a microstructured optical fiberresponsive to contacting topographic variations on a scalp. In anembodiment, the grooming device 102 includes circuitry 210 forgenerating classification information associated with the scalp lesion.In an embodiment, the circuitry 208 for acquiring surface variationsinformation is operably coupled to one or more sensors forming part ofat least one of the plurality of spaced-apart teeth. In an embodiment,the circuitry 208 for acquiring surface variations information isoperably coupled to at least one sensor proximate a scalp-contactingregion of the plurality of spaced-apart teeth. In an embodiment, thecircuitry 208 for generating classification information associated withthe scalp lesion is configured to generate cancer classificationinformation responsive from one or more inputs from the circuitry 208for acquiring surface variations information.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 210 for generating classificationinformation associated with the scalp lesion is configured to generateclassification information responsive to one or more inputs indicativeof a lesion shape. In an embodiment, the circuitry 210 for generatingclassification information associated with the scalp lesion isconfigured to generate classification information responsive to one ormore inputs indicative of a lesion configuration. In an embodiment, thecircuitry 210 for generating classification information associated withthe scalp lesion is configured to generate classification informationresponsive to one or more inputs indicative of a lesion asymmetry. In anembodiment, the circuitry 210 for generating classification informationassociated with the scalp lesion is configured to generateclassification information responsive to one or more inputs indicativeof a lesion border configuration.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 210 for generating classificationinformation associated with the scalp lesion is configured to generateclassification information responsive to one or more inputs indicativeof a lesion. In an embodiment, the circuitry 210 for generatingclassification information associated with the scalp lesion isconfigured to generate classification information responsive to one ormore inputs indicative of a lesion rate of change.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes circuitry 212 fornegotiating user-specific scalp lesion information based on at least oneauthentication protocol. For example, in an embodiment, the groomingdevice 102 includes circuitry 212 for negotiating user-specific scalplesion information based on at least one cryptographic protocol,encryption protocol, or decryption protocol. In an embodiment, thegrooming device 102 includes circuitry 214 for communicating with aremote enterprise and to receive control command information from theremote enterprise. For example, in an embodiment, circuitry 214 forcommunicating with a remote enterprise is operably coupled to one ormore transceivers, transmitters, or receivers configured tocommunicating with a remote enterprise and to receive control commandinformation from the remote enterprise.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes circuitry 216 foractuating a discovery protocol that allows the grooming device and aremote enterprise to identify each other and to negotiate one or morepre-shared keys. In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includescircuitry 216 for actuating a discovery protocol that allows the system100 and a remote enterprise to identify each other and negotiateinformation.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes a power source. Inthe power source is operably coupled to one or more components, modules,circuitry, sensors, and the like. In an embodiment, the power source isconfigured to power one or more components, modules, circuitry, sensor,and the like. In an embodiment, the power source is electromagnetically,magnetically, acoustically, optically, inductively, electrically, orcapacitively coupled to one or more components, modules, circuitry,sensors, and the like. For example, in an embodiment, the power sourceis electromagnetically, magnetically, acoustically, optically,inductively, electrically, or capacitively coupled to one or moremodules.

Non-limiting examples of power sources examples include one or morebutton cells, chemical battery cells, a fuel cell, secondary cells,lithium ion cells, micro-electric patches, nickel metal hydride cells,silver-zinc cells, capacitors, super-capacitors, thin film secondarycells, ultra-capacitors, zinc-air cells, and the like. Furthernon-limiting examples of power sources include one or more generators(e.g., electrical generators, thermo energy-to-electrical energygenerators, mechanical-energy-to-electrical energy generators,micro-generators, nano-generators, and the like) such as, for example,thermoelectric generators, piezoelectric generators, electromechanicalgenerators, biomechanical-energy harvesting generators, and the like. Inan embodiment, the power source includes at least one rechargeable powersource. In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 carries the powersource. In an embodiment, grooming device 102 includes at least one of abattery, a capacitor, or a mechanical energy store (e.g., a spring, aflywheel, and the like).

In an embodiment, the power source is configured to wirelessly receivepower from a remote power supply. For example, in an embodiment, thepower source receives power from a remote power supply via one or moretransceivers or receivers. In an embodiment, the power source isconfigured to wirelessly receive power via at least one of an electricalconductor or an electromagnetic waveguide. In an embodiment, powersource includes at least one of a thermoelectric generator, apiezoelectric generator, a microelectromechanical systems generator, ora biomechanical-energy harvesting generator.

FIG. 3 shows a hair care system 200 in which one or more methodologiesor technologies can be implemented such as, for example, acquiringimpedance information of one or more hair-covered regions, fur-coveredregions, and the like, during grooming. In an embodiment, the hair caresystem 200 includes a grooming device 102 having body structure 304including a plurality of spaced-apart projections 306 configured toengage hair.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes a dielectric sensorcomponent 308. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections 306 form part of a dielectric sensor component308. In an embodiment, the dielectric sensor component 308 includes oneor more impedance sensors configured to measure impedance associatedwith a scalp region between two proximate spaced-apart projections 306.

In an embodiment, the dielectric sensor component 308 is configured toacquire impedance information of one or more hair-covered scalp regionsduring grooming. See e.g., Har-Shai, et al., Electrical ImpedanceScanning for Melanoma Diagnosis: A Validation Study, Plast ReconstrSurg. 2005 September; 116(3):782-90, doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000176258.52201.22, which is incorporated herein byreference. For example, in an embodiment, the dielectric sensorcomponent 308 includes one or more impedance sensors 310 for acquiringimpedance information from one or more hair-covered scalp regions ashair is being groomed. In an embodiment, the dielectric sensor component308 is configured to detected impedance of one or more hair-coveredscalp regions as hair is being combed or brushed. In an embodiment, thedielectric sensor component 308 is configured to detected impedance ofone or more hair-covered scalp regions as hair is being parted.

In an embodiment, the hair care system 200 includes a scalp lesiondielectric module 130 operably coupled to the dielectric sensorcomponent 308. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130is configured to identify a scalp surface object based on a comparisonof a detected impendence to reference scalp surface object impedanceinformation. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 isconfigured to identify a scalp surface object based on a detectedimpendence as function of frequency. See e.g., Aberg, et al., Electricalimpedance spectroscopy and the diagnostic accuracy for malignantmelanoma, Exp Dermatol. 2011 August; 20(8):648-52. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01285.x. Epub 2011 May 4, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 is configuredto identify a scalp surface object based on a detected impendence as afunction of position during grooming. In an embodiment, the scalp lesiondielectric module 130 is configured to acquire impedance informationassociated with one or more hair-covered regions or fur-covered regions.In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 is configuredto acquire dielectric permittivity information associated with one ormore scalp regions during grooming. In an embodiment, the scalp lesiondielectric module 130 is configured to acquire conductivity informationassociated with one or more scalp regions during grooming.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 is configuredto generate at least one of a lesion location, a lesion composition, alesion configuration, or lesion shape based on an acquired impendence.In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 is configuredto generate lesion identification information based on an acquiredimpendence.

In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 is configuredto generate scalp lesion classification information based on an acquiredimpendence. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 isconfigured to generate scalp lesion information based on a comparisonbetween at least one datum associated with a detected anatomical featureof the scalp and reference scalp impedance information. In anembodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 is configured toaccess stored data associated with previously measured surface impedanceby position. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion dielectric module 130 isconfigured to compare detected impedance of the scalp with previouslydetected impendence information.

In an embodiment, hair care system 200 includes a hair care protocolmodule 312. In an embodiment, the hair care protocol module 312 isconfigured to generate next-in-time scalp region grooming protocolinformation. In an embodiment, the hair care protocol module 312 isconfigured to generate next-in-time scalp region detection regimeninformation. In an embodiment, the hair care protocol module 312 isconfigured to generate scalp region detection regimen information. In anembodiment, the hair care protocol module 312 is configured to generatescalp region inspection regimen information. In an embodiment, the haircare module 312 is configured to generate scalp region grooming regimeninformation.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 takes the form of a hairbrushdevice (see e.g., FIG. 3). In an embodiment, the hairbrush deviceincludes a body structure 304 having a plurality of bristles. In anembodiment, the grooming device 102 is configured to measure impedanceassociated with a scalp region between two proximate bristles 306. Forexample, in an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes a dielectricsensor component 308 having a plurality of impedance sensors formingpart of one or more of the plurality of bristles.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes circuitry 314 foracquiring impedance information of one or more scalp regions duringgrooming. In an embodiment, the circuitry 314 for acquiring impedanceinformation of one or more scalp regions includes one or more impedancesensors. In an embodiment, the circuitry 314 for acquiring impedanceinformation of one or more scalp regions includes one or more impedancesensors forming part of the plurality of bristles. In an embodiment, thecircuitry 314 for acquiring impedance information of one or more scalpregions during grooming is operably coupled to one or more impedancesensors forming part of at least one of the plurality of bristles 306.

In an embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes circuitry 316 forgenerating scalp lesion information. In an embodiment, the circuitry 316for generating scalp lesion information includes circuitry forgenerating lesion classification information responsive to one or moreinputs from an impedance sensor. In an embodiment, the circuitry 316 forgenerating scalp lesion information includes circuitry for generatingscalp surface object identification information responsive to a detectedchange in impedance. In an embodiment, the circuitry 316 for generatingscalp lesion information includes circuitry for generating impedanceinformation associated with one or more scalp regions during grooming.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 316 for generating scalp lesioninformation includes circuitry for generating dielectric permittivityinformation associated with one or more scalp regions during grooming.In an embodiment, the circuitry 316 for generating scalp lesioninformation includes circuitry for generating at least one of a lesionlocation, a lesion composition, a lesion configuration, or lesion shapebased on a detected impendence. In an embodiment, the circuitry 316 forgenerating scalp lesion information includes circuitry for generatingscalp lesion classification information responsive to a detectedimpendence. In an embodiment, the circuitry 316 for generating scalplesion information includes circuitry for generating scalp lesioninformation based on a comparison between a detected impedanceassociated with an anatomical feature of at least one scalp region andreference scalp impedance information.

FIG. 4 shows a grooming system 400 in which one or more methodologies ortechnologies can be implemented such as, for example, acquiring imageinformation of one or more hair-covered regions, fur-covered regions,and the like, during grooming. In an embodiment, the grooming system 400includes a brush structure 402 having a bristle face 404 and a pluralityof bristles 406 extending outward from the bristle face 404. In anembodiment, the grooming system 400 includes an image sensor component408 forming part of the brush structure 402.

In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 is configured to identify ascalp surface object based on one or more images of one or more scalpregions, hair-covered regions, fur-covered regions, and the like,obtained during grooming. For example, in an embodiment, the brushstructure 402 is operably coupled to an image sensor component 408 thatacquires image information associated with one or more hair-coveredregions during grooming. In an embodiment, one or more modules comparethe acquired image information to reference image information such asreference image information associated with a user, reference lesionimage information, previously acquired image information, and the like.In an embodiment, the one or more modules generate lesion identificationinformation associated with the one or more hair-covered regions imagedduring grooming based on the comparison.

In an embodiment, the image sensor component 408 includes one or moreimage sensors 410. In an embodiment, the image sensor component 408includes one or more optical image sensors. For example, in anembodiment, the image sensor component 408 includes one or morespectrometers. Non-limiting examples of spectrometers include imagingspectrometers, photo-acoustic imaging spectrometers, thermo-acousticimaging spectrometers, photo-acoustic/thermo-acoustic tomographicimaging spectrometers, ultrasound spectrometers, and the like

In an embodiment, the image sensor component 408 is configured to detectat least one of an emitted energy or a remitted energy associated with ahair-covered region, a fur-covered region, and the like. In anembodiment, image sensor component 408 is configured to detect anoptical energy absorption profile of a portion of a hair-covered region.In an embodiment, image sensor component 408 is configured to detect anoptical energy emission profile of a portion of a hair-covered region.In an embodiment, the image sensor component 408 includes at least onetime delay and integration (TDI) charge-coupled device (CCD). In anembodiment, the image sensor component 408 includes at least onecomplementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. In anembodiment, the image sensor component 408 includes at least one avariable-integration-time image sensor. In an embodiment, the imagesensor component 408 includes at least one of a time-integrating opticalcomponent, a linear time-integrating component, a nonlinear opticalcomponent, a temporal autocorrelating component, avariable-integration-time image sensor component, and the like.

In an embodiment, the image sensor component 408 is configured to detectan excitation radiation and an emission radiation associated with aportion of a hair-covered region, a fur-covered region, and the like.For example, in an embodiment, the image sensor component 408 includesone or more image sensors 410 operable to detect at least one of anemitted energy or a remitted energy associated with a portion of ahair-covered scalp region.

In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of bristles 406 form partof the image sensor component 408. For example, in an embodiment, one ormore of the plurality of bristles 406 form part of an optical imagesensor. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of bristles 406comprises an optical fiber. In an embodiment, the optical fiber isconfigured to transmit illumination light from an illumination sourcecoupled to the brush structure 402 to a distal end proximate the scalp.In an embodiment, the illumination light may be broad-band,monochromatic, cover a specified spectral band, have a specifiedpolarization, etc. In an embodiment, the optical fiber is configured toreceive backscattered light from a scalp region and transmit the lightto an optical sensor coupled to the brush structure 402. In anembodiment, at least a portion of the image sensor component 408 islocated proximate a distal end of one or more of the plurality ofbristles 406. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the image sensorcomponent 408 is located proximate a scalp contact region 108 of the oneor more of the plurality of bristles 406.

In an embodiment, the image sensor component 408 includes at least oneillumination component and at least one image sensor component 408 andis configured to measure one or more of a spectral reflectance, apolarization, and a fluorescence of a scalp region. In an embodiment,the image sensor component 408 is operable to acquire one or more imagesof a hair-covered scalp region during grooming. In an embodiment, theimage sensor component 408 is operable to acquire backscattered lightfrom a scalp region during grooming. In an embodiment, the image sensorcomponent 408 is operable to acquire one or more optical coherencetomography images of a scalp region during grooming.

In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includes a scalp-imagingmodule 412 operably coupled to the image sensor component 408. In anembodiment, the scalp-imaging module 412 is operable to generate aspatial map of a scalp region by combining images from the image sensorcomponent 408 obtained at different spatial locations during grooming.For example, in an embodiment, the scalp-imaging module 412 includescircuitry configured to generate a spatial map of a scalp region bycombining images from the image sensor component 408 obtained atdifferent spatial locations during grooming. In an embodiment, thegrooming system 400 includes a scalp-imaging module 412 configured togenerate scalp lesion registration information responsive to one or moreinputs from the image sensor component. In an embodiment, thescalp-imaging module 412 is operable to store multi-pass informationassociated with scalp images obtained at different times duringgrooming.

In an embodiment, the scalp-imaging module 412 is operable to generatelesion color information responsive to one or more inputs from the imagesensor component. In an embodiment, the scalp-imaging module 412 isoperable to generate classification information associated with thescalp lesion responsive to one or more inputs from the image sensorcomponent 408 indicative of a lesion color. In an embodiment, thegrooming system 400 includes a scalp lesion location module 412configured to generate scalp lesion registration information responsiveto one or more inputs from the image sensor component.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, a hair-brushing device includes abrush structure 402 having a bristle face 404 and a plurality ofbristles 406 extending outward from the bristle face 404. In anembodiment, the hairbrush device includes circuitry 414 for acquiringimages of one or more scalp regions.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 414 for acquiring images is operablycoupled to an image sensor component 408 forming part of brush structure402. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of bristles 406 formpart of an image sensor component 408 operably coupled to the circuitry414 for acquiring images of one or more scalp regions. In an embodiment,one or more of the plurality of bristles 406 include a scalp contactregion 108 that forms part of an image sensor component 408 operablycoupled to the circuitry 414 for acquiring images of one or more scalpregions.

In an embodiment, the circuitry 414 for acquiring images forms part ofthe brush structure 402. In an embodiment, the circuitry 414 foracquiring images is operable to generate lesion informationrepresentative of a parameter associated with a location and a dimensionof at least one scalp lesion responsive to one or more inputs from theimage sensor component 408. In an embodiment, the circuitry 414 foracquiring images is operable is operable to generate scalp lesioninformation responsive to one or more inputs from the image sensorcomponent 408. In an embodiment, the circuitry 414 for acquiring imagesis operable to determine a scalp disease state responsive to identifyingat least one object in an image from the image sensor component 408.

In an embodiment, the hairbrush device includes circuitry 416 forgenerating lesion identification information. In an embodiment, thecircuitry 416 for generating lesion identification information includescircuitry for generating scalp lesion identification information. In anembodiment, the circuitry 416 for generating lesion identificationinformation includes one or more memories configured to store scalplesion identification information. In an embodiment, the circuitry 416for generating scalp lesion identification information is operable toidentify groups of pixels in an image indicative of a lesion color. Inan embodiment, the circuitry 416 for generating scalp lesionidentification information is operable to generate classificationinformation responsive to one or more inputs from the circuitry foracquiring images of one or more scalp regions indicative of a lesioncolor. In an embodiment, the circuitry 416 for generating scalp lesionidentification information is operable to generate lesion colorinformation responsive to one or more inputs from the circuitry foracquiring images of one or more scalp regions. In an embodiment, thecircuitry 416 for generating scalp lesion identification information isoperable to identify groups of pixels in an image indicative of at leastone scalp lesion.

In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includes an optical coherencetomography module 418 operably coupled to the image sensor component408. In an embodiment, the optical coherence tomography module 418 isconfigured to generate a cross-sectional tomographic imaging of one ormore scalp regions imaged during grooming.

In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includes a scalp lesionmorphology module 120. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphologymodule 120 is operably coupled to one or more topographic sensorsforming part of the brush structure 402. In an embodiment, the scalplesion morphology module 120 is configured to determine a presence ofscalp lesions responsive to one or more inputs from the one or moretopographic sensors. In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includesa scalp lesion dielectric module 130. In an embodiment, the scalp lesiondielectric module 130 is operably coupled to one or more impedancesensors forming part of the brush structure 402 and is configured toidentify a scalp surface object based on a detected impendence obtainedduring grooming. In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includesscalp lesion ultrasound imaging module 150. In an embodiment, the scalplesion ultrasound imaging module 150 is operably coupled to one or moreultrasonic transducers forming part of the sensor array 110 and isconfigured to identify a scalp surface object based on one or moreultrasound images of a scalp region obtained during grooming

In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includes circuitry 212 fornegotiating user-specific scalp lesion information based on at least oneauthentication protocol. For example, in an embodiment, the groomingsystem 400 includes circuitry 212 for negotiating user-specific scalplesion information based on at least one cryptographic protocol,encryption protocol, or decryption protocol. In an embodiment, thegrooming device 402 includes circuitry 214 for communicating with aremote enterprise and to receive control command information from theremote enterprise

In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includes circuitry 216 foractuating a discovery protocol that allows the grooming device and aremote enterprise to identify each other and to negotiate one or morepre-shared keys. In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includescircuitry 216 for actuating a discovery protocol that allows the systemand a remote enterprise to identify each other and negotiateinformation.

FIG. 5 shows a hair and scalp care system 500 in which one or moremethodologies or technologies can be implemented such as, for example,acquiring ultrasound image information of one or more hair-coveredregions, fur-covered regions, and the like, during grooming. In anembodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500 includes a body structure502 including a plurality of spaced-apart projections 504 configured toengage hair. In an embodiment, one or more of the spaced-apartprojections 504 include a hair-covered surface contact region 506. Forexample, in an embodiment, one or more of the spaced-apart projections504 include a scalp contact region. In an embodiment, the hair and scalpcare system 500 includes an ultrasound image sensor component 508forming part of the body structure 502.

In an embodiment, the ultrasound image sensor component 508 is operablycoupled to one or more ultrasound transducers 510. In an embodiment, thehair and scalp care system 500 includes one or more ultrasoundtransducers 510. In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500includes one or more ultrasound transducers acoustically coupled to thescalp contact region of the spaced-apart projections. In an embodiment,the hair and scalp care system 500 includes one or more ultrasoundtransducers 510 forming part of the surface contact region 506 of thespaced-apart projections 504.

In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500 is configured tofind and identify scalp lesion based on ultrasound informationassociated with one or more scalp regions, hair-covered regions,fur-covered regions, and the like. See e.g., Wortsman, Ximena.Sonography of the Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: A Review, RadiologyResearch and Practice, Article ID 814396, July 2011. Web. 10 Dec. 2013,which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, in anembodiment, the body structure 502 is operably coupled to one or moreultrasound transducers 510 that are operable to interrogate one or morehair-covered regions with an ultrasonic stimulus and to acquireultrasound images associated with one or more hair-covered regionsduring grooming. In an embodiment, one or more modules compare theacquired ultrasound images to reference image information such asreference ultrasound image information, reference ultrasound lesionimages, previously acquired ultrasound images, user-specific ultrasoundimage information, cumulative ultrasound image information, and thelike. In an embodiment, the one or more modules generate lesionidentification information associated with the one or more hair-coveredregions imaged during grooming based on the comparison.

In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500 includes anultrasound-imaging module 512. In an embodiment, the hair and scalp caresystem 500 includes an ultrasound-imaging module 512 operably coupled tothe one or more ultrasound transducers 510. In an embodiment, theultrasound-imaging module 512 is operable to transmit and receiveultrasound signals associated a scalp lesion.

In an embodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is configured toassociate ultrasound signals from an ultrasound transducer 510 withscalp contact data from a corresponding spaced-apart projection. Forexample, in an embodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 isconfigured to associate ultrasound signals from an ultrasound transducer510 to determine whether the ultrasound transducer 510 is in contactwith a hair-covered region, fur-covered region, and the like. In anembodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is configured to associateultrasound signals from an ultrasound transducer 510 to determine acontact position of the ultrasound transducer 510 within a hair-coveredregion, fur-covered region, and the like. In an embodiment, theultrasound-imaging module 512 is configured to assess whether theultrasound transducer is in contact with a scalp region. In anembodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is configured to determineone or more parameters associated with a position of an ultrasoundtransducer within a scalp region.

In an embodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is operable totransmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a scalp lesion. Inan embodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is operable to acquireultrasound information associated with a scalp lesion. In an embodiment,the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is operably coupled to a plurality ofelectromechanical transducer element. In an embodiment, the plurality ofelectromechanical transducer elements is configured to interrogate thescalp region with an ultrasonic stimulus. In an embodiment, theplurality of electromechanical transducer elements is configured toacquire an ultrasonic response associated with the scalp regioninterrogated with an ultrasonic stimulus.

In an embodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is configured togenerate one or more of an ultrasound image, a color velocity Dopplermode image, or a power Doppler mode image of the scalp region. In anembodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 is configured to generatea two-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the scalp region duringgrooming. In an embodiment, the ultrasound-imaging module 512 isconfigured to generate a three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of thescalp region during grooming.

In an embodiment, a scalp examination device includes a body structure502 having a plurality of spaced-apart projections 504 configured toengage hair. In an embodiment, the scalp examination device includescircuitry 514 for interrogating one or more regions with an ultrasonicstimulus during grooming. For example, in an embodiment, the scalpexamination device includes circuitry 514 for interrogating onehair-covered regions with an ultrasonic stimulus during grooming. In anembodiment, the scalp examination device includes circuitry 514 forinterrogating one or more scalp regions with an ultrasonic stimulusduring grooming. In an embodiment, the scalp examination device includescircuitry 516 for acquiring an ultrasonic response associated withinterrogation of one or more scalp regions with the ultrasonic stimulusduring grooming.

In an embodiment, the scalp examination device includes circuitry 518for generating lesion classification information associated with the oneor more scalp regions responsive to one or more inputs from thecircuitry for acquiring an ultrasonic response. In an embodiment, thescalp examination device includes circuitry for 520 generating scalplesion ultrasound information associated with the one or more scalpregions responsive to one or more inputs from the circuitry foracquiring an ultrasonic response. In an embodiment, the scalpexamination device includes circuitry 522 for generating one or more ofan ultrasound image, a color velocity Doppler mode image, or a powerDoppler mode image of the one or more scalp regions. In an embodiment,the scalp examination device includes circuitry 524 for generating athree-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the one or more scalp regionsduring grooming. In an embodiment, the scalp examination device includescircuitry 526 for generating an ultrasound image of the one or morescalp regions responsive to one or more inputs from the circuitry foracquiring an ultrasonic response.

In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includes a scalp lesionmorphology module 120. In an embodiment, the scalp lesion morphologymodule 120 is operably coupled to one or more topographic sensorsforming part of the brush structure 402. In an embodiment, the scalplesion morphology module 120 is configured to determine a presence ofscalp lesions responsive to one or more inputs from the one or moretopographic sensors. In an embodiment, the grooming system 400 includesa scalp lesion dielectric module 130. In an embodiment, the scalp lesiondielectric module 130 is operably coupled to one or more impedancesensors forming part of the brush structure 402 and is configured toidentify a scalp surface object based on a detected impendence obtainedduring grooming. In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500includes scalp lesion imaging module 140. In an embodiment, the scalplesion imaging module 140 is operably coupled to one or more imagesensors forming part of the sensor array 110 and is configured toidentify a scalp surface object based on one or more images of a scalpregion obtained during grooming.

In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500 includes scalplesion ultrasound imaging module 150. In an embodiment, the scalp lesionultrasound imaging module 150 is operably coupled to one or moreultrasonic transducers forming part of the sensor array 110 and isconfigured to identify a scalp surface object based on one or moreultrasound images of a scalp region obtained during grooming

In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500 includes circuitry212 for negotiating user-specific scalp lesion information based on atleast one authentication protocol. For example, in an embodiment, thehair and scalp care system 500 includes circuitry 212 for negotiatinguser-specific scalp lesion information based on at least onecryptographic protocol, encryption protocol, or decryption protocol. Inan embodiment, the grooming device 102 includes circuitry 214 forcommunicating with a remote enterprise and to receive control commandinformation from the remote enterprise

In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system 500 includes circuitry216 for actuating a discovery protocol that allows the grooming deviceand a remote enterprise to identify each other and to negotiate one ormore pre-shared keys In an embodiment, the hair and scalp care system500 includes circuitry 216 for actuating a discovery protocol thatallows the system and a remote enterprise to identify each other andnegotiate information.

FIG. 6 shows a method 600. At 610, the method 600 includes acquiring animpedance of one or more hair-covered scalp regions during grooming. At612, acquiring the impedance of the one or more hair-covered scalpregions during grooming includes detecting impedance of the one or morehair-covered scalp regions as hair is being groomed. At 614, acquiringthe impedance of the one or more hair-covered scalp regions duringgrooming includes detecting impedance of the one or more hair-coveredscalp regions as hair is being combed or brushed. At 616, acquiring theimpedance of the one or more hair-covered scalp regions during groomingincludes detecting impedance of the one or more hair-covered scalpregions as hair is being parted.

In an embodiment, acquiring the impedance of the one or morehair-covered scalp regions during grooming includes detecting impedanceof the one or more hair-covered scalp regions as a function of positionof a grooming device 102 with respect to one or more referencepositions. In an embodiment, acquiring the impedance of the one or morehair-covered scalp regions during grooming includes detecting impedanceof the one or more hair-covered scalp regions as a function of positionof a grooming device 102 with respect to one or more scalp regions. Inan embodiment, acquiring the impedance of the one or more hair-coveredscalp regions during grooming includes detecting impedance of the one ormore hair-covered scalp regions as a function of position of a groomingdevice 102 with respect to one or more lesion locations.

At 620, the method 600 includes generating scalp lesion informationbased on detecting the impedance of one or more hair-covered scalpregions during grooming. At 622, generating scalp lesion informationincludes generating lesion classification information responsive to oneor more inputs from an impedance sensor. At 624, generating scalp lesioninformation includes generating scalp surface object identificationinformation responsive to a detected change in impedance. At 626,generating scalp lesion information includes generating impedanceinformation associated with one or more scalp regions during grooming.

At 628, generating scalp lesion information includes generatingdielectric permittivity information associated with one or more scalpregions during grooming. At 630, generating scalp lesion informationincludes generating at least one of a lesion location, a lesioncomposition, a lesion configuration, or lesion shape based on a detectedimpendence. At 632, generating scalp lesion information includesgenerating scalp lesion classification information responsive to adetected impendence. At 634, generating scalp lesion informationincludes generating scalp lesion information based on a comparisonbetween a detected impedance associated with an anatomical feature of atleast one scalp region and reference scalp impedance information.

FIG. 7 shows a grooming method 700. At 710, the grooming method 700includes acquiring one or more images of a hair-covered scalp regionduring grooming. At 712, acquiring the one or more images of thehair-covered scalp region during grooming includes acquiring images atone or more fields of view. At 714, acquiring images at one or morefields of view comprises determining at least one of the location,scaling, and orientation of the field of view.

At 720, the grooming method 700 includes identifying at least one objectin the one or more images. At 722, identifying the at least one objectin the one or more images includes identifying groups of pixels in animage indicative of at least one scalp lesion. At 730, the groomingmethod 700 includes generating scalp lesion information responsive toidentifying at least one object in the one or more images. At 732,generating scalp lesion information includes generating lesioninformation representative of a parameter associated with a location anda dimension of at least one scalp lesion responsive to identifying theat least one object in the one or more images. At 740, the groomingmethod 700 includes determining a scalp disease state responsive toidentifying the at least one object in the one or more images. At 750,the grooming method 700 includes storing at least one parameterassociated with at least one object indicative of a scalp lesion. At760, the grooming method 700 includes registering the at least oneobject using at least one of an artificial body surface marking, atattoo, or a plurality of nanoparticle fiducial markers.

FIG. 8 shows a method 800. At 810, the method 800 includes interrogatingone or more hair-covered scalp regions with an ultrasonic stimulusduring grooming. At 820, the method 800 includes detecting an ultrasonicresponse associated with interrogating the one or more scalp regionswith the ultrasonic stimulus.

At 830, the method 800 includes generating scalp lesion information. At832, generating the scalp lesion information includes generating primarylesion information responsive to one or more inputs indicative of anultrasonic response. At 834, generating the scalp lesion informationincludes generating secondary lesion information responsive to one ormore inputs indicative of an ultrasonic response. At 836, generating thescalp lesion information includes generating lesion shape informationresponsive to one or more inputs indicative of an ultrasonic response.At 838, generating the scalp lesion information includes generatinglesion configuration information responsive to one or more inputsindicative of an ultrasonic response.

At 840, generating the scalp lesion information includes generatinglesion border information responsive to one or more ultrasonic inputsindicative of an ultrasonic response. At 842, generating the scalplesion information includes generating classification informationassociated with a scalp lesion responsive to one or more inputsassociated with the detected ultrasonic response. At 844, generating thescalp lesion information includes generating scalp lesion ultrasoundinformation associated with the one or more scalp regions responsive toone or more inputs associated with the detected ultrasonic response.

At 846, generating the scalp lesion information includes generating oneor more of an ultrasound image, a color velocity Doppler mode image, anda power Doppler mode image of the one or more scalp regions responsiveto one or more inputs associated with the detected ultrasonic response.At 848, generating the scalp lesion information includes generating athree-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the one or more scalp regionsresponsive to one or more inputs associated with the detected ultrasonicresponse.

FIG. 9 shows a method 900. At 910, the method 900 includes acquiringsurface variation information of a hair-covered scalp region. At 912,acquiring surface variation information of the scalp region includesdetecting surface variation information of a scalp region duringgrooming. At 914, acquiring surface variation information of the scalpregion includes detecting surface variation information of a scalpregion as a function of position during grooming. In an embodiment,acquiring surface variation information of the scalp region includesstoring the detected surface variation information of a scalp region asa function of position. At 916, acquiring surface variation informationof the scalp region includes accessing stored data associated withpreviously detected surface variations at the position.

At 918, acquiring surface variation information of the scalp regionincludes comparing the detected surface variations with previouslydetected surface variations. At 920, acquiring surface variationinformation of the scalp region includes detecting a deflection of anarray of projections forming part of a grooming device. In anembodiment, acquiring surface variation information of the scalp regionincludes detecting a deflection of an array of flexible projectionsforming part of a grooming device. In an embodiment, acquiring surfacevariation information of the scalp region includes relative displacementof an array of rigid projections forming part of a grooming device

At 922, acquiring surface variation information of the scalp regionincludes dragging a grooming device across a portion of the scalp anddetecting deflections of an array of projections forming part of agrooming device 102. At 924, acquiring surface variation information ofthe scalp region includes positioning a grooming device above a portionof the scalp and detecting axial locations of an array of translatablescalp contacting projections forming part of a grooming device. At 926,acquiring surface variation information of the scalp region includesdetecting a mechanically deformation of one or more optical fibersresponsive to contacting topographic features on the scalp.

At 930, the method 900 includes generating scalp lesion morphologyinformation based on acquiring surface variation information of thescalp region. At 932, generating the scalp lesion morphology informationincludes generating classification information associated with one ormore scalp lesions responsive to one or more inputs from a sensor array110 as a function of position during grooming. At 934, generating thescalp lesion morphology information includes generating lesioninformation.

At 936, generating the scalp lesion morphology information includesgenerating primary lesion information responsive to one or more inputsfrom a sensor array 110. At 938, generating the scalp lesion morphologyinformation includes generating secondary lesion information responsiveto one or more inputs from a sensor array 110. At 940, generating thescalp lesion morphology information includes generating lesion shapeinformation responsive to one or more inputs from a sensor array 110.

At 942, generating the scalp lesion morphology information includesgenerating lesion configuration information responsive to one or moreinputs from a sensor array 110. At 944, generating the scalp lesionmorphology information includes generating infection informationassociated with a scalp lesion responsive to one or more inputs from asensor array 110. At 946, generating the scalp lesion morphologyinformation includes generating cancer classification informationassociated with a scalp lesion responsive to one or more inputs from asensor array 110. At 948, generating the scalp lesion morphologyinformation includes generating lesion asymmetry information responsiveto one or more inputs from a sensor array 110.

At 990, generating the scalp lesion morphology information includesgenerating lesion border information responsive to one or more inputsfrom a sensor array 110. At 992, generating the scalp lesion morphologyinformation includes generating lesion dimension information responsiveto one or more inputs from a sensor array 110. At 994, generating thescalp lesion morphology information includes generating lesion rate ofchange information responsive to one or more inputs from a sensor array110.

At 996, generating the scalp lesion morphology information includesgenerating combined measurements from a sensor array 110 obtained atdifferent spatial locations. At 998, generating the scalp lesionmorphology information includes generating measurements from the sensorarray 110 obtained at different spatial locations. At 960, generatingthe scalp lesion morphology information includes generating scalpsurface variation information. In an embodiment, the method 900 includescomprising releasing a marker to the scalp region. In an embodiment, themethod 900 includes detecting a previously released marker within thescalp region.

It is noted that FIGS. 6-9B denotes “start” and “end” positions.However, nothing herein should be construed to indicate that these arelimiting and it is contemplated that other or additional steps orfunctions can occur before or after those described in FIGS. 6-9B.

The claims, description, and drawings of this application may describeone or more of the instant technologies in operational/functionallanguage, for example as a set of operations to be performed by acomputer. Such operational/functional description in most instances canbe specifically-configured hardware (e.g., because a general purposecomputer in effect becomes a special purpose computer once it isprogrammed to perform particular functions pursuant to instructions fromprogram software).

Importantly, although the operational/functional descriptions describedherein are understandable by the human mind, they are not abstract ideasof the operations/functions divorced from computational implementationof those operations/functions. Rather, the operations/functionsrepresent a specification for the massively complex computationalmachines or other means. As discussed in detail below, theoperational/functional language must be read in its proper technologicalcontext, i.e., as concrete specifications for physical implementations.

The logical operations/functions described herein are a distillation ofmachine specifications or other physical mechanisms specified by theoperations/functions such that the otherwise inscrutable machinespecifications may be comprehensible to the human mind. The distillationalso allows one of skill in the art to adapt the operational/functionaldescription of the technology across many different specific vendors'hardware configurations or platforms, without being limited to specificvendors' hardware configurations or platforms.

Some of the present technical description (e.g., detailed description,drawings, claims, etc.) may be set forth in terms of logicaloperations/functions. As described in more detail in the followingparagraphs, these logical operations/functions are not representationsof abstract ideas, but rather representative of static or sequencedspecifications of various hardware elements. Differently stated, unlesscontext dictates otherwise, the logical operations/functions arerepresentative of static or sequenced specifications of various hardwareelements. This is true because tools available to implement technicaldisclosures set forth in operational/functional formats—tools in theform of a high-level programming language (e.g., C, java, visual basic),etc.), or tools in the form of Very high speed Hardware DescriptionLanguage (“VIDAL,” which is a language that uses text to describe logiccircuits—)—are generators of static or sequenced specifications ofvarious hardware configurations. This fact is sometimes obscured by thebroad term “software,” but, as shown by the following explanation, whatis termed “software” is a shorthand for a massively complexinterchanging/specification of ordered-matter elements. The term“ordered-matter elements” may refer to physical components ofcomputation, such as assemblies of electronic logic gates, molecularcomputing logic constituents, quantum computing mechanisms, etc.

For example, a high-level programming language is a programming languagewith strong abstraction, e.g., multiple levels of abstraction, from thedetails of the sequential organizations, states, inputs, outputs, etc.,of the machines that a high-level programming language actuallyspecifies. See, e.g., Wikipedia, High-level programming language,available at the websiteen.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-level_programming_language (as of Jun. 5,2012, 21:00 GMT). In order to facilitate human comprehension, in manyinstances, high-level programming languages resemble or even sharesymbols with natural languages. See, e.g., Wikipedia, Natural language,available at the website en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_language (as ofJun. 5, 2012, 21:00 GMT).

It has been argued that because high-level programming languages usestrong abstraction (e.g., that they may resemble or share symbols withnatural languages), they are therefore a “purely mental construct”(e.g., that “software”—a computer program or computer—programming—issomehow an ineffable mental construct, because at a high level ofabstraction, it can be conceived and understood in the human mind). Thisargument has been used to characterize technical description in the formof functions/operations as somehow “abstract ideas.” In fact, intechnological arts (e.g., the information and communicationtechnologies) this is not true.

The fact that high-level programming languages use strong abstraction tofacilitate human understanding should not be taken as an indication thatwhat is expressed is an abstract idea. In an embodiment, if a high-levelprogramming language is the tool used to implement a technicaldisclosure in the form of functions/operations, it can be understoodthat, far from being abstract, imprecise, “fuzzy,” or “mental” in anysignificant semantic sense, such a tool is instead a nearincomprehensibly precise sequential specification of specificcomputational—machines—the parts of which are built up byactivating/selecting such parts from typically more generalcomputational machines over time (e.g., clocked time). This fact issometimes obscured by the superficial similarities between high-levelprogramming languages and natural languages. These superficialsimilarities also may cause a glossing over of the fact that high-levelprogramming language implementations ultimately perform valuable work bycreating/controlling many different computational machines.

The many different computational machines that a high-level programminglanguage specifies are almost unimaginably complex. At base, thehardware used in the computational machines typically consists of sometype of ordered matter (e.g., traditional electronic devices (e.g.,transistors), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), quantum devices, mechanicalswitches, optics, fluidics, pneumatics, optical devices (e.g., opticalinterference devices), molecules, etc.) that are arranged to form logicgates. Logic gates are typically physical devices that may beelectrically, mechanically, chemically, or otherwise driven to changephysical state in order to create a physical reality of Boolean logic.

Logic gates may be arranged to form logic circuits, which are typicallyphysical devices that may be electrically, mechanically, chemically, orotherwise driven to create a physical reality of certain logicalfunctions. Types of logic circuits include such devices as multiplexers,registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), computer memory devices, etc.,each type of which may be combined to form yet other types of physicaldevices, such as a central processing unit (CPU)—the best known of whichis the microprocessor. A modern microprocessor will often contain morethan one hundred million logic gates in its many logic circuits (andoften more than a billion transistors). See, e.g., Wikipedia, Logicgates, available at the website en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic_gates (as ofJun. 5, 2012, 21:03 GMT).

The logic circuits forming the microprocessor are arranged to provide amicroarchitecture that will carry out the instructions defined by thatmicroprocessor's defined Instruction Set Architecture. The InstructionSet Architecture is the part of the microprocessor architecture relatedto programming, including the native data types, instructions,registers, addressing modes, memory architecture, interrupt andexception handling, and external Input/Output. See, e.g., Wikipedia,Computer architecture, available at the websiteen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_architecture (as of Jun. 5, 2012, 21:03GMT).

The Instruction Set Architecture includes a specification of the machinelanguage that can be used by programmers to use/control themicroprocessor. Since the machine language instructions are such thatthey may be executed directly by the microprocessor, typically theyconsist of strings of binary digits, or bits. For example, a typicalmachine language instruction might be many bits long (e.g., 32, 64, or128 bit strings are currently common). A typical machine languageinstruction might take the form “11110000101011110000111100111111” (a 32bit instruction).

It is significant here that, although the machine language instructionsare written as sequences of binary digits, in actuality those binarydigits specify physical reality. For example, if certain semiconductorsare used to make the operations of Boolean logic a physical reality, theapparently mathematical bits “1” and “0” in a machine languageinstruction actually constitute a shorthand that specifies theapplication of specific voltages to specific wires. For example, in somesemiconductor technologies, the binary number “1” (e.g., logical “1”) ina machine language instruction specifies around +5 volts applied to aspecific “wire” (e.g., metallic traces on a printed circuit board) andthe binary number “0” (e.g., logical “0”) in a machine languageinstruction specifies around −5 volts applied to a specific “wire.” Inaddition to specifying voltages of the machines' configuration, suchmachine language instructions also select out and activate specificgroupings of logic gates from the millions of logic gates of the moregeneral machine. Thus, far from abstract mathematical expressions,machine language instruction programs, even though written as a stringof zeros and ones, specify many, many constructed physical machines orphysical machine states.

Machine language is typically incomprehensible by most humans (e.g., theabove example was just ONE instruction, and some personal computersexecute more than two billion instructions every second). See, e.g.,Wikipedia, Instructions per second, available at the websiteen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instructions_per_second (as of Jun. 5, 2012, 21:04GMT).

Thus, programs written in machine language—which may be tens of millionsof machine language instructions long—are incomprehensible. In view ofthis, early assembly languages were developed that used mnemonic codesto refer to machine language instructions, rather than using the machinelanguage instructions' numeric values directly (e.g., for performing amultiplication operation, programmers coded the abbreviation “mult,”which represents the binary number “011000” in MIPS machine code). Whileassembly languages were initially a great aid to humans controlling themicroprocessors to perform work, in time the complexity of the work thatneeded to be done by the humans outstripped the ability of humans tocontrol the microprocessors using merely assembly languages.

At this point, it was noted that the same tasks needed to be done overand over, and the machine language necessary to do those repetitivetasks was the same. In view of this, compilers were created. A compileris a device that takes a statement that is more comprehensible to ahuman than either machine or assembly language, such as “add 2+2 andoutput the result,” and translates that human understandable statementinto a complicated, tedious, and immense machine language code (e.g.,millions of 32, 64, or 128 bit length strings). Compilers thus translatehigh-level programming language into machine language.

This compiled machine language, as described above, is then used as thetechnical specification which sequentially constructs and causes theinteroperation of many different computational machines such thathumanly useful, tangible, and concrete work is done. For example, asindicated above, such machine language—the compiled version of thehigher-level language—functions as a technical specification whichselects out hardware logic gates, specifies voltage levels, voltagetransition timings, etc., such that the humanly useful work isaccomplished by the hardware.

Thus, a functional/operational technical description, when viewed by oneof skill in the art, is far from an abstract idea. Rather, such afunctional/operational technical description, when understood throughthe tools available in the art such as those just described, is insteadunderstood to be a humanly understandable representation of a hardwarespecification, the complexity and specificity of which far exceeds thecomprehension of most any one human. Accordingly, any suchoperational/functional technical descriptions may be understood asoperations made into physical reality by (a) one or more interchainedphysical machines, (b) interchained logic gates configured to create oneor more physical machine(s) representative of sequential/combinatoriallogic(s), (c) interchained ordered matter making up logic gates (e.g.,interchained electronic devices (e.g., transistors), DNA, quantumdevices, mechanical switches, optics, fluidics, pneumatics, molecules,etc.) that create physical reality representative of logic(s), or (d)virtually any combination of the foregoing. Indeed, any physical objectwhich has a stable, measurable, and changeable state may be used toconstruct a machine based on the above technical description. CharlesBabbage, for example, constructed the first computer out of wood andpowered by cranking a handle.

Thus, far from being understood as an abstract idea, it can berecognizes that a functional/operational technical description as ahumanly-understandable representation of one or more almost unimaginablycomplex and time sequenced hardware instantiations. The fact thatfunctional/operational technical descriptions might lend themselvesreadily to high-level computing languages (or high-level block diagramsfor that matter) that share some words, structures, phrases, etc. withnatural language simply cannot be taken as an indication that suchfunctional/operational technical descriptions are abstract ideas, ormere expressions of abstract ideas. In fact, as outlined herein, in thetechnological arts this is simply not true. When viewed through thetools available to those of skill in the art, suchfunctional/operational technical descriptions are seen as specifyinghardware configurations of almost unimaginable complexity.

As outlined above, the reason for the use of functional/operationaltechnical descriptions is at least twofold. First, the use offunctional/operational technical descriptions allows near-infinitelycomplex machines and machine operations arising from interchainedhardware elements to be described in a manner that the human mind canprocess (e.g., by mimicking natural language and logical narrativeflow). Second, the use of functional/operational technical descriptionsassists the person of skill in the art in understanding the describedsubject matter by providing a description that is more or lessindependent of any specific vendor's piece(s) of hardware.

The use of functional/operational technical descriptions assists theperson of skill in the art in understanding the described subject mattersince, as is evident from the above discussion, one could easily,although not quickly, transcribe the technical descriptions set forth inthis document as trillions of ones and zeroes, billions of single linesof assembly-level machine code, millions of logic gates, thousands ofgate arrays, or any number of intermediate levels of abstractions.However, if any such low-level technical descriptions were to replacethe present technical description, a person of skill in the art couldencounter undue difficulty in implementing the disclosure, because sucha low-level technical description would likely add complexity without acorresponding benefit (e.g., by describing the subject matter utilizingthe conventions of one or more vendor-specific pieces of hardware).Thus, the use of functional/operational technical descriptions assiststhose of skill in the art by separating the technical descriptions fromthe conventions of any vendor-specific piece of hardware.

In view of the foregoing, the logical operations/functions set forth inthe present technical description are representative of static orsequenced specifications of various ordered-matter elements, in orderthat such specifications may be comprehensible to the human mind andadaptable to create many various hardware configurations. The logicaloperations/functions disclosed herein should be treated as such, andshould not be disparagingly characterized as abstract ideas merelybecause the specifications they represent are presented in a manner thatone of skill in the art can readily understand and apply in a mannerindependent of a specific vendor's hardware implementation.

At least a portion of the devices or processes described herein can beintegrated into an information processing system. An informationprocessing system generally includes one or more of a system unithousing, a video display device, memory, such as volatile ornon-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one ormore interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna,etc.), or control systems including feedback loops and control motors(e.g., feedback for detecting position or velocity, control motors formoving or adjusting components or quantities). An information processingsystem can be implemented utilizing suitable commercially availablecomponents, such as those typically found in datacomputing/communication or network computing/communication systems.

The state of the art has progressed to the point where there is littledistinction left between hardware and software implementations ofaspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally (butnot always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware andsoftware can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.efficiency tradeoffs. Various vehicles by which processes or systems orother technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware,software, firmware, etc., in one or more machines or articles ofmanufacture), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the contextin which the processes, systems, other technologies, etc., are deployed.For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy areparamount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware or firmwarevehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer mayopt for a mainly software implementation that is implemented in one ormore machines or articles of manufacture; or, yet again alternatively,the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software,firmware, etc. in one or more machines or articles of manufacture.Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes,devices, other technologies, etc., described herein may be effected,none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle tobe utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehiclewill be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, orpredictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. In anembodiment, optical aspects of implementations will typically employoptically-oriented hardware, software, firmware, etc., in one or moremachines or articles of manufacture.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely examples, and that in fact, many other architectures can beimplemented that achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably coupleable,” to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably coupleable include, but arenot limited to, physically mateable, physically interacting components,wirelessly interactable, wirelessly interacting components, logicallyinteracting, logically interactable components, etc.

In an embodiment, one or more components may be referred to herein as“configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,”“adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Suchterms (e.g., “configured to”) can generally encompass active-statecomponents, or inactive-state components, or standby-state components,unless context requires otherwise.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, orexamples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examplescontain one or more functions or operations, it will be understood bythe reader that each function or operation within such block diagrams,flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually orcollectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware in one ormore machines or articles of manufacture, or virtually any combinationthereof. Further, the use of “Start,” “End,” or “Stop” blocks in theblock diagrams is not intended to indicate a limitation on the beginningor end of any functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams maybe incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where additionalfunctions are performed before or after the functions shown in thediagrams of this application. In an embodiment, several portions of thesubject matter described herein is implemented via Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However,some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part,can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or morecomputer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more computer systems), as one or moreprograms running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry orwriting the code for the software and or firmware would be well withinthe skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. Inaddition, the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein arecapable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms,and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter describedherein applies regardless of the particular type of signal-bearingmedium used to actually carry out the distribution. Non-limitingexamples of a signal-bearing medium include the following: a recordabletype medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc(CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory,etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter,receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to the reader that,based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the subject matter described herein and itsbroader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompasswithin their scope all such changes and modifications as are within thetrue spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Ingeneral, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). Further, if a specific number of an introducedclaim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recitedin the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent ispresent. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appendedclaims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and“one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of suchphrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of aclaim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits anyparticular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claimscontaining only one such recitation, even when the same claim includesthe introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinitearticles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically beinterpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holdstrue for the use of definite articles used to introduce claimrecitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introducedclaim recitation is explicitly recited, such recitation should typicallybe interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense of the convention (e.g.,” a system having atleast one of A, B, and C″ would include but not be limited to systemsthat have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instanceswhere a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” isused, in general such a construction is intended in the sense of theconvention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). Typically a disjunctive word or phrasepresenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate thepossibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “Aor B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A”or, “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, the operations recited thereingenerally may be performed in any order. Also, although variousoperational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should beunderstood that the various operations may be performed in orders otherthan those that are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.Examples of such alternate orderings includes overlapping, interleaved,interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental,simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless contextdictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “relatedto,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended toexclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims.

1-243. (canceled)
 244. A hair and scalp care system, comprising: a bodystructure including a plurality of spaced-apart projections configuredto engage hair, one or more of the spaced-apart projections having ascalp contact region; one or more ultrasound transducers acousticallycoupled to the scalp contact region of the spaced-apart projections; andan ultrasound-imaging module operably coupled to the one or moreultrasound transducers, the ultrasound-imaging module operable totransmit and receive ultrasound signals associated with a scalp lesion.245. (canceled)
 246. The hair and scalp care system of claim 244,wherein the ultrasound-imaging module is operably coupled to one or moreultrasound transducers forming part of one or more of the plurality ofspaced-apart projections. 247-250. (canceled)
 251. The hair and scalpcare system of claim 244, wherein the ultrasound-imaging module isoperable to acquire ultrasound information associated with the scalplesion.
 252. (canceled)
 253. The hair and scalp care system of claim244, wherein the ultrasound-imaging module is operably coupled to aplurality of electromechanical transducer elements, the plurality ofelectromechanical transducer elements configured to interrogate thescalp region with an ultrasonic stimulus.
 254. The hair and scalp caresystem of claim 244, wherein the ultrasound-imaging module is configuredto generate one or more of an ultrasound image, a color velocity Dopplermode image, or a power Doppler mode image of the scalp region.
 255. Thehair and scalp care system of claim 244, wherein the ultrasound-imagingmodule is configured to generate a three-dimensional ultrasound imagingof the scalp region during grooming.
 256. (canceled)
 257. The hair andscalp care system of claim 244, wherein the ultrasound-imaging module isconfigured to compare ultrasound images with previously acquiredultrasound images in real time.
 258. The hair and scalp care system ofclaim 244, further comprising: an inertial navigation module operablycoupled to the body structure. 259-261. (canceled)
 262. The hair andscalp care system of claim 244, further comprising: a scalp lesiondielectric module.
 263. The hair and scalp care system of claim 244,further comprising: a scalp lesion morphology module.
 264. The hair andscalp care system of claim 244, further comprising: a scalp lesionimaging module.
 265. The hair and scalp care system of claim 244,further comprising: a scalp examination module operably coupled to theultrasound-imaging module. 266-267. (canceled)
 268. The hair and scalpcare system of claim 265, wherein the scalp examination module includesone or more memory devices having user-specific lesion data storedthereon.
 269. The hair and scalp care system of claim 244, furthercomprising: an examined region module operably coupled to one or moremarker-dispenser components. 270-273. (canceled)
 274. The hair and scalpcare system of claim 269, wherein the examined region module isconfigured to activate release of a marker to mark examined regionsduring grooming.
 275. The hair and scalp care system of claim 269,wherein the one or more marker-dispenser components are operably coupledto one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart projections. 276.(canceled)
 277. The hair and scalp care system of claim 269, wherein theexamined region module is operable to detect a marker previouslyreleased by the marker-dispenser component.
 278. A scalp examinationdevice, comprising: a body structure having a plurality of spaced-apartprojections configured to engage hair; circuitry for interrogating oneor more scalp regions with an ultrasonic stimulus during grooming; andcircuitry for acquiring an ultrasonic response associated withinterrogation of one or more scalp regions with the ultrasonic stimulusduring grooming.
 279. The scalp examination device of claim 278, furthercomprising: circuitry for generating lesion classification informationassociated with the one or more scalp regions responsive to one or moreinputs from the circuitry for acquiring an ultrasonic response.
 280. Thescalp examination device of claim 278, further comprising: circuitry forgenerating scalp lesion ultrasound information associated with the oneor more scalp regions responsive to one or more inputs from thecircuitry for acquiring an ultrasonic response.
 281. The scalpexamination device of claim 278, further comprising: circuitry forgenerating one or more of an ultrasound image, a color velocity Dopplermode image, or a power Doppler mode image of the one or more scalpregions.
 282. The scalp examination device of claim 278, furthercomprising: circuitry for generating a three-dimensional ultrasoundimaging of the one or more scalp regions during grooming.
 283. The scalpexamination device of claim 278, further comprising: circuitry forgenerating an ultrasound image of the one or more scalp regionsresponsive to one or more inputs from the circuitry for acquiring anultrasonic response.
 284. A method, comprising: interrogating one ormore hair-covered scalp regions with an ultrasonic stimulus duringgrooming; detecting an ultrasonic response associated with interrogatingthe one or more scalp regions with the ultrasonic stimulus; andgenerating scalp lesion information.
 285. The method of claim 284,wherein generating the scalp lesion information includes generatingprimary lesion information responsive to one or more inputs indicativeof an ultrasonic response.
 286. The method of claim 284, whereingenerating the scalp lesion information includes generating secondarylesion information responsive to one or more inputs indicative of anultrasonic response.
 287. (canceled)
 288. The method of claim 284,wherein generating the scalp lesion information includes generatinglesion configuration information responsive to one or more inputsindicative of an ultrasonic response. 289-290. (canceled)
 291. Themethod of claim 284, wherein generating the scalp lesion informationincludes generating scalp lesion ultrasound information associated withthe one or more scalp regions responsive to one or more inputsassociated with the detected ultrasonic response.
 292. The method ofclaim 284, wherein generating the scalp lesion information includesgenerating one or more of an ultrasound image, a color velocity Dopplermode image, and a power Doppler mode image of the one or more scalpregions responsive to one or more inputs associated with the detectedultrasonic response.
 293. The method of claim 284, wherein generatingthe scalp lesion information includes generating a three-dimensionalultrasound imaging of the one or more scalp regions responsive to one ormore inputs associated with the detected ultrasonic response.